What CEOs across the world think of PM Narendra Modi

A 2018 global survey by research group Gallup International shows that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the most popular leaders in the world. He is also one of the most followed personalities on Twitter. While Modi, the politician, has been often criticised for his policy decisions, his economic outlook and strategies have drawn the attention of top businessmen across the world. Here's a look at what global and Indian CEOs think of the Indian PM.

Anil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman, Vedanta Resources Plc

"For the world, there will never be a better time than this to invest in India as he (Modi) is taking the country from $2 trillion to $20 trillion, and from red tape to red carpet.
April, 2017

Anil Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Group

"A little over a year ago, we added a 4th 'D', which is perhaps even more important: Decisiveness. With Narendra bhai assuming charge as Prime Minister, we inaugurated a new era in our nation's history: of visionary and decisive leadership.
July, 2015

Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC

"India has never been in a stronger position than today from a macro-economic perspective. This is because demonstrating immense growth potential, and there is a strong leadership at the helm driving key policy changes, which has weeded out large scale corruption at the Centre.
Aug, 2016

John Chambers, former Executive Chairman & CEO, CISCO Systems   

"He (Modi) is courageous. He wakes up every day thinking about your country's future. I think it would be a major risk not to give him a chance to finish that vision.
July, 2018

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla group   

"Digital India is a truly exciting possibility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has articulated the whole vision, which reflects his clairvoyance and his futuristic thinking.
July, 2015

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries Limited

"India is fortunate to have a Prime Minister who not only paints a comprehensive and compelling vision but has the personal leadership and drive to convert his vision to reality. It is my conviction that under your (PM) leadership, the Digital India initiative will create a partnership among all sections of society... a partnership that will leverage the power of 1.2 billion Indians.
July, 2015

Narayan Murthy, Co-founder of Infosys

Paul Jacobs, former Executive Chairman, Qualcomm

"We share Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy."
Sept, 2015

Paul Polman, CEO, Unilever

"I don't want to get into politics, but what the Indian prime minister is trying to do has two things - it has big ideas, Smart India, Made in India, Swachh Bharat. These are big statements and he can only hold himself accountable, and he sets the bar higher for himself. So the question is how quickly can he get the whole country with him. But the essence of what you are trying to do with some initiatives is right and to the benefit of the economy. We are supportive of many of these initiatives because it is beneficial for us."
Sept, 2017

Peter R. Huntsman, CEO, Huntsman Corporation

"There were many of us (in the US) who wish you (Modi) would have stayed and taken over leadership of our country."
Jan, 2017

Prem Watsa, Chairman & CEO, Fairfax Financial Holdings

"He's very business-friendly and he's got a great track record. Since election in 2014 India's political climate has changed."
May, 2018

Rajan Anandan, Managing Director, Google India

"He has immense energy. I am not sure what he drinks or eats, and I spent a lot of time together. He was always turned on, asking questions about the Loon technology, wondering if they had cameras, etc. I never saw a yawn, a sense of fatigue or boredom from the PM."
Oct, 2015

Ratan Tata, former Chairman of Tata Sons

"Modi as Prime Minister now is offering India, the Indian people, a new India. We need to give him that opportunity to offer that new India. He is able, capable and innovative enough to look at India afresh and I  am optimistic that with his leadership, India will be that new India which he has promised."
Sept, 2017

Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft Corporation

"India has world class entrepreneurs and human capital. The Prime Minister's vision is spot on; he knows how tech is a powerful tool to enable human ingenuity."
Sept, 2015

Sunil Mittal, Founder & Chairman, Bharti Enterprises

"He understands the power of technology, he understands how it can transform the nation, he understands how it can connect the length and breadth of the country in the shortest possible time frame. We are truly blessed that you have picked up digital initiative as one of your key pillars."
July, 2015

Vijay Sharma, Founder and CEO, Paytm

If you look at India today, it is an opportunity happening now. That trigger has happened. The country's economic growth was flagging below 5% just before Modi became the prime minister. He has reduced red tapes significantly, he's brought pro-business, pro-consumer growth.
Jan, 2018